Hampi-A Rendezvous With Ruins And Royalty

There is so much to see in Hampi from an underground temple to watch towers to sculptures of Ganesh and Vishnu to boulders called Sisters stones symbolising two sisters who spoke ill about Hampi and were then punished and turned into stones.

- Shameera Somani

A rustic, rugged landscape strewn with boulders and dotted with majestic ruins from a bygone era, contrasted with azure blue skies make picturesque Hampi a must visit for every photographer and traveler. From temples, a stone chariot, sculptures and stables, harems and courtesans’ streets to bazars and royal baths-all these monuments and attractions instill curiosity and awe in the tourists that visit Hampi, a World Heritage Site. Situated on the banks of Tungabhadra river in Hospet taluka Hampi or Vijayanagar, as it was earlier called, is spread over a large area covering hills and planes.

Our journey began at Bengaluru from where we drove down to Kamlapur and checked into the KSTDC property late in the evening. Since it is difficult to see all of Hampi in one day we had planned our itinerary in advance and made a list of all that we wanted to see. The next morning which was also Diwali, after a simple breakfast of idli sambar, eggs and filter coffee we were introduced to our tour guide Prasad a middle -aged man. He helped us plan our route so that we could cover the major attractions and see as much as possible.